Fluidly Partitioned Homes

The Brother's House is Simultaneously Public and Private

Japanese architect Hiroshi Kuno has designed the Brother's House, a single-story home that features a series of curvy partitions throughout its interior.

The dividers, which are low enough for residents to walk over, separate the house into four spaces, which accommodate a living room and kitchen, bathroom and two ambiguous rooms that can be used as bedrooms. No two partitions are the same in proportion, creating a visually layered effect. Kuno explains, "The partition wall [...] makes [a] private place and public place, [a] closed place and open place simultaneously, always leaving the space of the big upper part."

Located in the Japanese city of Otaru, this compact home measures 100 square meters and is supported by a concrete base and timber frame. Inside, translucent white curtains and bare light bulbs keep things minimal.

Curvy Partitions
Curvy partitions are being used to create visually layered effects in homes, offering both privacy and openness simultaneously.
Ambiguous Rooms
Designers are creating flexible, ambiguous rooms that can be used for multiple purposes in compact homes, maximizing space.
Translucent Curtains
Translucent curtains are being used in interior design to create a minimalistic and airy feel in small spaces.

Where This Applies

Architecture and Interior Design
Architects and interior designers are incorporating curvy partitions, ambiguous rooms, and translucent curtains in their designs to create innovative and adaptable living spaces.
Real Estate
Real estate developers and property owners can explore the use of curvy partitions, ambiguous rooms, and translucent curtains to optimize the use of limited space in their properties.
Home Furnishings
Home furnishing companies can offer customizable solutions such as curvy partitions and translucent curtains to cater to the needs of individuals living in compact homes.
SCORE
2.6 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 35%
Activity 35%
Freshness 8%